06 June 2014

2014 Belmont Stakes Picks

History is on the line this Saturday afternoon out on Long Island at Belmont Park as the Triple Crown is on the line as California Chrome looks to be the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since 1978. Can California Chrome gain the ultimate prize in United States thoroughbred racing, or will he become the 13th horse since Affirmed won all three to win the first two crowns without getting the third? Here are my picks.

WIN: California Chrome (4-5)
I am betting on history being made again tomorrow with California Chrome winning the Belmont; I think that the stars are aligned for this horse this year. Of course, running at Big Sandy will be a tough test considering its distance, at 1.5 miles it is the longest dirt thoroughbred racecourse on the continent. It certainly will be difficult, there is a reason why no horse has done it since 1978, but I am feeling it this year.

PLACE: Ride on Curlin (7-1)
As noted in my pick to win, Belmont Park is a tough course considering the length so endurance for any horse to get into contention to win will be critical. Ride on Curlin was closing hard at the Preakness and it has the distance pedigree that handicappers like to see in this race. Look for this horse to push California Chrome once again at the finish.

SHOW: Tonalist (12-1)
After winning the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont a few weeks ago, Tonalist is gaining a lot of momentum as a popular pick and rightfully so. Not to mention that it will be ridden by a veteran of Belmont Park in Joel Rosario. However, I am a little concerned about how little Tonalist has run in relative to the competition, but still a legitimate contender for the win.